Where Are You With Retirement Breakthrough Concepts?

Let's Take A Look and See if you're Missing Out On the Financial Success Strategies These Concepts Can Create

According to the Hartford Investment Survey conducted annually, among United States residents 45 and older, it shows that 'planners' - those who plan for retirement – 'are three times more likely to be confident that they will have sufficient income in retirement as compared to those who have not planned.'

What does this mean to you?

Imagine that your best friend from college just called you and told you he and his wife were taking a leisurely driving trip to Florida and wanted to stop and visit you. And, he asked if you had any suggestions for their trip. Your mind immediately goes to 'what will make this trip most productive and fun?', especially when they are visiting you. Then, you have to stop and think about where they are driving from, what they like to do, the things along the way that you've experienced, and then some tips about what they should do to make the most of their trip.

Your mind just went into 'planning mode' - the best way to accomplish something that's important to you! And, that is exactly what this questionnaire is designed to do!

All you need to do is to enter your name, email, and phone number at the end of the questionnaire and you'll receive your FREE customized report via email.

You'll find that this report is filled with gold nuggets to help you launch your quest for your possibilities that come with some new thinking, new strategies and new understanding.

Choose the response that best aligns with what you understand and feel about your finances today.

1. Have you done any planning around the amount of income you will want in retirement

My finances just haven't permitted planning ahead.

I'm just going to keep working as long as I can and hope for the best.

I can't withstand another stock market 'hit', so am anxious to know how to protect my investments so that my planning is more predictable.

I know how to use the tools of present and future values, compounding of money, and The Rule of 72. Rethinking annually 'what's important' enables me to have a lifestyle and income that's comfortable. I have room for the detours and contingencies of life, and overall, I have peace of mind. I don't want to be a burden on my children.

2. Describe your understanding of basic financial instruments: annuities, life insurance, IRAs, and 401(k)s.

I've never gotten into this financial stuff.

I chat with my HR person/financial advisor, but don't really know how each works.

I go to seminars, read newspaper and magazine articles, but procrastinate putting things together in a definite plan that encompasses my desires.

I have spent the last several years getting smarter about finances and positioning my assets for income. At retirement, I'll shift the accumulation strategies of many of my annuities, life insurance cash values, IRAs, and my 401(k) to distribution streams of income. When I retire is my choice, and my retirement strategies will be ready.

3. How do you protect your assets from taxes and creditors?

I don't have a clue.

I was told early on, "pay your bills on time and no one can bother you."

I guess I lucked out! I have been putting money into IRAs and life insurance since I started working. The numbers are starting to look really good.

I was introduced early in my working life to the concepts of tax saving. I have strategies in place to legally build income tax and creditor protection around my assets. As I get close to retiring, I can see very clearly the importance of these strategies with the uncertainty of future taxes and lawsuits over the craziest things.

4. What is your plan for protecting your assets from long term care expenses?

I have children/family members to help me.

The new Health Care Reform will have some long term care insurance. I trust what the government provides.

Our financial advisor says we have enough assets to self-insure.

I do not want to be a burden on anyone should I become ill. I bought a long term care policy to protect me and prevent my assets and income from being depleted to pay for my care at home or in a facility.

5. Describe how you are using the living advantages of cash value life insurance.

I bought 20 year term and invested the difference. After twenty years the premiums quadrupled and I couldn't afford the term insurance. Unfortunately, I stopped investing the difference. Bummer!

I bought a Universal Life policy years ago for the death benefit. I still have it!

I actually used some of the cash values from my life insurance to supplement my income.

I began a systematic savings program sometime ago with my universal life insurance policy. I'm very knowledgeable of how the tax-free loans will be important for my retirement income.

6. What are your strategies for using annuities to provide more income in retirement?

I've heard of annuities, but not sure how to use them in retirement.

I've heard annuities aren't good investments.

I don't like the fees and long term of annuities. I prefer conservative, no-load mutual funds.

I have a financial advisor who helped me set up several strategies for making the most of my savings. This produced lifetime income and to protection of my assets from creditors. These strategies are the foundation of my retirement income.

7. Describe your strategies for your IRAs and Qualified Plans.

I don't have an IRA.

My employer offers a 401(k), but I'm not maximizing my contribution.

I have an IRA/401(k). I'm not sure if I'm invested appropriately and don't know how to determine what's best for me.

I am (my spouse and I are) diligent about contributing each year to my/our IRAs / 401(k) and annually review the investment styles, making adjustments as needed to meet our goals and risk tolerance. I/We have moved much of my/our money into annuities as I/we prepare for retirement. Safety is vital as these are my/our core retirement income sources.

8. Does your planning include leaving something for your beneficiaries?

I'd like to leave a legacy but it isn't going to happen.

If I leave something, it will be minimal.

I don't think it's selfish to want to take care of myself first during retirement. What pleased me is that with strategic planning, I can have the income and protections I need, and still leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren.

Charitable planning and family trusts are important in our planning. It feels good to have this planning in place while we're still able to see some of the results.

9. Do You Have A Financial Advisor/Insurance Agent?

I don't have a financial advisor or Insurance agent.

I don't see the value of an advisor – it's not worth the cost.

I have an advisor/insurance agent, but we don't have regular contact. I expect my advisor to call me when a problem arises.

Over the years I have gone from thinking my advisor should do everything, to now, I know that I must be part of the Team. My commitment to following my plan rests solely on me. My asking questions regularly has built a strong rapport with my advisor. I think the greatest thing my advisor has done is help me be clear about what I want, what I'm willing to do to get it, and then monitoring the results and adjusting when needed.

10. Describe your Blueprint for Financial Success:

The economic environment has left me feeling anxious and confused - out of control.

I've cut back on spending and, yes, it's impacted my quality of life!

I have spent some time reviewing "what I want", but it seems so out of reach.

I have a core "plan of action" for my/our finances which has enabled me/us to avoid the economic turmoil and frustration so many others are experiencing. My health and quality of life are positive and my family sees the importance of planning and sticking to a long term savings plan.

Securities offered through Resource Horizons Group, L.L.C., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Resource Horizons Investment Advisory, Inc. 3350 Church Street Ext. NE 3rd Floor, Marietta, GA 30060. Phone 770-319-1970. Resource Horizons Group and Resource Horizons Investment Advisory are not affiliated with Retirement Breakthrough and Retirement Breakthrough Plus.